Fall Festivities

1 year ago

Fall is officially upon us here in the North Platte valley. Now that temperatures are falling and the leaves are changing, another Harvest Festival has come and gone.

The 21st Annual Harvest Festival’s featured crop was potatoes and took place September 15-17. Potatoes were this year’s crop and we also honored Lockwood Graders. Lockwood Graders’ founder, Thorval J. “T.J.” Lockwood, passed 60 years ago. As a manufacturer of equipment catering to potato farmers right here in Gering, it was a natural fit to honor the company during the festival. T.J. Lockwood’s son, Fred, and his family were in attendance at the Lockwood Reunion on September 15th. The reunion was enjoyed by approximately 85 people and highlighted the history of Lockwood Graders as well as former employees’ stories.

Board member Larry Hubbard demonstrates how to cut potatoes for planting. Photo taken by Amanda Gibbs.

Harvest Festival activities included potato planting and harvesting demonstrations, potato picking, a horse & tractor parade, wagon rides, a German sausage demonstration, and much more. People of all ages came out both Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the festivities both on the grounds and in the museum’s main exhibit hall. The hard work of our volunteers made the Harvest Festival possible and we are extremely grateful for them! We are looking forward to next year’s Harvest Festival which will feature hay & livestock.

Pumpkin picking at the 2016 Kiwanis Family Fun Day.

Our next event will be Family Fun Day, taking place on October 7th from 10 am – 2 pm. Visitors will be able to pick pumpkins, play in the hay bale fort, enjoy kids’ activities and games hosted by the Gering High School Key Club, launch potatoes, purchase lunch provided by the Gering Kiwanis, and much more! We invite all individuals to come out and enjoy this fun event!

Looking ahead, our rotating gallery exhibit will change in early October. The next exhibit will be all about vintage Halloween. This exhibit will feature party decor, costumes, memorabilia, and other artifacts and archival materials based around the holiday. This exhibit will change slightly in November to explain how homes were decorated for and people celebrated Thanksgiving in years past.

A display of military uniforms and a Fallen Comrade Table will also be on display in early November in honor of Veteran’s Day. Legacy of the Plains Museum will also be a stop for the Warrior Run on November 5th.

Winter Hours will fall into effect on November 1st. During Winter Hours the museum will be open Tuesday through Saturday and open from 9 am – 5 pm. The museum will be closed on Sundays and Mondays. The buildings on the grounds, including the Wiedeman House, Blacksmith Shop, and Annex, will be available to tour upon request.